PHILIPSBURG—The 2015 National Bodybuilding and Fitness Championship will take place August 29, at the Celebration Palace, Bush Road, the St. Maarten Bodybuilding and Fitness Association (SMBBFA) reminded. A total of 17 athletes will be competing in the following categories: Bodybuilding, Men’s physique, Men’s Fitness (short and tall class), Women’s Physique, Body Fitness, Bikini Fitness, and Women’s Fitness. The judging panel comprises Martin Wilson, Jose Evert Luis, Jennifer Johnson and Raphael Antoine as Head Judge. In addition there will be a guest poser and a fashion show displaying gym sportswear. SMBBFA President Martina Rodney noted a lot of new athletes are emerging on the bodybuilding and fitness scene. “Some of them made their debut at the LSF Championship in Anguilla and others at the BFASM inter-island championship in June,” she explained. “Of course we still have our main core of experienced athletes who we consider our ambassadors but it is the new ones who will soon be taking over. I’m proud to say we have new athletes in the association and many of them will be taking the stage at the national championships.” Asked which of the categories are more popular and in fashion, Rodney singled out Men’s Physique and secondly Bikini Fitness. “These are the two categories that are very popular right now because they are less demanding than all-out bodybuilding. Especially with Men’s Physique, you still work hard but not as hard as a bodybuilder because you don’t have to have that extra mass. Financially it’s cheaper because you need fewer supplements and proteins but you still have to look fit and not too big. Men’s Physique is also popular among those who can develop their upper body but don’t have the balance for what’s needed in the legs to be a bodybuilder.” The championship also serves as a selection process to choose the national team that will represent St. Maarten at the CAC Championships to be held in the Bahamas this year on September 24-27. Doors are open at 7:00pm for the show to start promptly at 8:00pm. Organisers urge spectators to come early to avoid disappointment as the show will start right on time and “not on St. Maarten time.” Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door; children 12 and under $5. Tickets are on sale at all the gyms on the island and at Van Dorp (both locations), Nature’s Discount (both locations) and INM. Food and drinks will also be on sale.